Critical Media Literacy: Commercial Advertising

This lesson looks at media in a critical way. Students are made aware of the massive amount of advertising in their world and learn to recognize its influence on culture. Great lesson plan to use in media education. Printable handouts and student interactives are provided. Could be adapted to different grade levels.

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Critical Media Literacy: Commercial Advertising

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

Students will:

Investigate the influence of advertising on their daily lives
Engage in critical inquiry of mass media
Identify hidden media messages
Interpret messages presented through advertising
Discuss the effect of advertising on culture

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Understanding

Extension suggestions:

Use other activities from the PBS Media Literacy "Getting Started" activity ideas list to further investigate commercial advertising.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

12-15 copies of different magazines (e.g., Teen People, The Source, Sports Illustrated)
Chart paper

References

Contributors:

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation

eduToolbox® is a resource-sharing portal developed by the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation with collaborative support and funding from the Tennessee Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education's Math & Science Partnership program.